Home Sweet Home

---

I am lying in my brand new duplex flat. When I say brand new I mean both new to me and to this world. The place was completed less than a month ago. I suppose most of us our surrounded by people non-stop in our lives but I don’t even remember a time when I haven’t been. This is my first time living alone and I’m going to guess it’s going to take a touch of getting used to. I have no idea what to do with all this space and time. Still I’m happy. Finally, finally no more living out of a backpack! The events of the last week have been pretty strange and draining.

I was called for a substitute job starting on Monday of last week here in Chumphon. First I was just told, “We found you a placement!” 10 minutes later I found out that meant a placement for 3 days. Disappointed but ready to see a new location by the beach for a few days I packed my bags along with my roommate through-out the trip, Nicole who was also waiting for a job. Four people were left from my program without jobs.

I arrived in Chumphon the first day and was told that classes were cancelled as the students were taking a test on Buddhism. So we waited. Sitting around the office and getting to know the school two of the girls there who had been teaching for a week (Jodi and Katie) told us out right that they hated teaching and wanted to leave at the earliest opportunity. I said, “I’ll take your job!” After that, things were a whirlwind. Two other substitutes had to come down to sub for them at the drop of a hat. Now there were four of us and two permanent jobs. I stuck in my plea for a job early and got confirmation. I had a position! The other three had to fight it out a bit. Finally, it was settled, a guy named Angel would stay. The decision made and agreed on, the relief for everyone was palpable (even with some lingering bitterness at how chaotic the situation had been)

---